Ph.D. Application

When you take the GRE you need to have your scores sent directly to the Department of Economics at the University of Illinois, by choosing the following institutional code:

• Institution Code: 1836
• Department code: leave blank

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required for all students who are non-Native English speakers. 

When you take the TOEFL or IELTS you need to have your scores sent directly to the Department of Economics at the University of Illinois, by choosing the following institutional code:

• Institution Code: 1836
• Department code: leave blank

EXEMPTIONS:

Graduate applicants may be exempt from providing a TOEFL or IELTS score if one of the following criteria is met:

• Completion of at least two years of post-secondary full-time study, as defined by the home institution, in a country where English is the primary language and at an institution where English is the primary medium of instruction, within five years of the proposed term of initial enrollment at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
• Completion of a graduate degree in a country where English is the primary language and at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, within five years of the proposed term of initial enrollment.
  • Please click here for a list of countries that qualify for an exemption from the admissions requirement.

IMPORTANT: Please note that this exemption is for admission purposes only. This may not necessarily provide an exemption for international teaching assistants. For more information, please see the section below.

TOEFL Requirements for Teaching Assistantships 

Illinois State law requires non-native English speakers to attain a passing score on the speaking portion of either the IELTS or iBT to be eligible for a teaching assistantship. While these tests are not required for admission to the PhD program, applicants are strongly advised to submit their score as early as possible as admission decisions are made in tandem with offers of financial support. For more information, see information on Assistantships and English Proficiency Requirement for International Teaching Assistants.

Students who are exempt from providing a TOEFL score for admission will still be required to take the English Proficiency Interview (EPI) their first semester here.  This is a state of Illinois requirement for all non-native English speakers who will do classroom teaching.

Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat PDF documents are accepted. There are no character limits within the application system should you choose to write your statement of purpose in the application instead of uploading a word or Adobe document. 

1 copy of an UNOFFICAL transcript uploaded to the application is sufficient.

Only upon acceptance into the PhD program will an official transcript be requested

Three (3) Letters of Recommendation are Required.

Domestic Applicant Letters of Recommendation Frequently Asked Questions

$70 for domestic, $90 for international students

Application Fee Waiver for Applicable Domestic Students

Application fee waiver for some domestic applicants. Unfortunately, unless you are covered by one of the waivers in the application fee waiver descriptions, the application fee cannot be waived.